How to Understand Camera Shutters

A camera shutter is an important part of taking pictures.

The shutter is a very important part to a camera's picture taking ability. They block the light and let it in to create a photo. Here is a simple explanation of how camera shutters work and what they look like.

Instructions

1. Adjust your camera settings to the correct light setting. By adjusting settings on the camera, the shutter will let in less light when it opens. This make the camera take longer to collect light for the film, which is useful in different situations. You can find out what settings are right for your camera by taking a look at the manual.

2. Press the shutter button open the shutter. The shutter is made of several pieces of plastic or metal that shut out light and let in light just like a window shutter.

3. Steady the camera as the camera uses the shutter to take the picture. The shutter does this by letting light into the inside of the camera and then the light hits a mirror on the inside of the camera. The light bounces off of the mirror and hits the film, creating a picture.

4. Listen for a swishing and clicking noise. This sound means that the shutter has done its job and is closed again.

5. Take your finger off of the shutter button.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not jiggle your camera while depressing the shutter button to avoid blurry pictures.